Cherry Pecan Nice Cream

Confession: I used to think 'healthy ice cream' was an oxymoronuntil I whizzed up frozen bananas with a handful of pantry staples and accidentally changed my dessert life. This Cherry Pecan Nice Cream? It’s the lazy, heatwave-proof miracle that made me a believer. No fancy gadgets, no patience required, just 10 minutes between you and a bowl of creamy, crunchy bliss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Cherry Pecan Nice Cream is about to become your go-to dessert:

• 10-minute magic – No cooking, no churning, just blend and devour. Heatwave approved!
• Healthier than ice cream – Sneaky-good with bananas as the base (but shhh, it tastes like dessert).
• Crunchy + creamy = perfection – Sweet cherries and toasty pecans make every bite stupid delicious.
• No fancy equipment needed – Just a blender and a spoon. Even your lazy Sunday self can handle this.
• Customizable AF – Swap mix-ins, adjust sweetness, or make it dairy-free. Rules? What rules?

Basically, it’s the dessert that loves you back.

→ ✔

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What You'll Need To Make

Let’s talk about the rockstars in this recipe:

• Frozen Bananas – Nature’s ice cream base! They blend up creamy, add natural sweetness, and make this dessert actually good for you. Pro tip: Slice ’em before freezing for easier blending.
• Pecans – Buttery, toasty crunch machines. They add protein + healthy fats, making this feel indulgent without the guilt. (Toast them for 5 mins first if you’re extra.)
• Honey – Just enough to sweeten the deal, but flexible-maple syrup works too! Bonus: It balances the tart cherries like a boss.
• Cherries – Juicy, vibrant, and packed with antioxidants. Frozen or fresh, they’re the pop of flavor that makes this not just another banana blend.

TL;DR: This isn’t just dessert-it’s a nutrient-packed party in a bowl.

NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.

What You'll Need To Do

Time required: 10 mins

Let’s make this Cherry Pecan Nice Cream!

1. Blend it up! Toss those frozen bananas, honey, vanilla extract, and salt into a blender. Pour in the milk and let ‘er rip until it’s smooth and creamy-about 2-3 minutes. (Pro tip: If it’s being stubborn, add a splash more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it blends like a dream.)
2. Mix & serve! Pour the creamy goodness into a bowl and gently fold in the chopped cherries and pecans. Scoop into bowls, sprinkle extra pecans on top, and dig in immediately for soft-serve vibes. (Or, if you’re patient, freeze it a bit longer for a firmer treat.)

Boom! You’ve got dessert in 10 minutes.

Glycemic Index: 30-40 (low ) Glycemic Load: 10-12 (moderate)

Note: Bananas and honey contribute to carbs, but fiber/fat from nuts helps balance blood sugar impact.

Recipe Swaps

• Bananas → Avocado (for extra creaminess, but reduce liquid)
• Honey → Maple syrup or agave (vegan option)
• Milk → Almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk (dairy-free)
• Pecans → Walnuts or almonds (different crunch profile)
• Cherries → Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries (seasonal twist)
• Vanilla extract → Almond extract (for a marzipan-like flavor)

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Tweak Ideas

• Protein Boost: Stir in 1-2 tbsp nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew) or a scoop of vanilla protein powder for extra staying power.
• Chocolate Lover’s: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder or cacao nibs for a mocha-chocolate twist.
• Tropical Vibes: Swap cherries for diced mango + toasted coconut flakes.
• Coffee Kick: Blend in 1 tsp instant espresso powder for a mocha ripple.
• Extra Decadent: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top before serving.

Helpful Tips for Success

• Freeze bananas in chunks – They blend smoother than whole frozen bananas.
• Toast your pecans – Just 5 minutes in a dry pan = next-level nutty flavor.
• Use ripe bananas – Spotted ones are sweeter, so you can reduce added honey.
• Chill your bowls – Keeps the nice cream colder longer when serving.
• Blend in stages – Pulse first to break up bananas, then blend full power to avoid overworking your blender.

Try my Protein Crepes with Blueberry Sauce recipe.

Budget-Friendly Tips

• Buy bananas in bulk when they’re on salepeel, slice, and freeze for future batches.
• Opt for store-brand honey or syrupjust as tasty, usually cheaper than fancy brands.
• Use frozen cherries (often cheaper than fresh, especially off-season).
• Skip the garnishextra pecans are pretty but not essential.
• Sub half the pecans with oatstoasted oats add crunch at a fraction of the cost.

Serving Ideas

• Breakfast Bowl: Top with granola and chia seeds for a morning treat.
• Dessert Nachos: Serve with cinnamon-dusted plantain chips for scooping.
• Ice Cream Sandwich: Press between two gluten-free cookies.
• Sundae Style: Drizzle with melted nut butter or caramel sauce.
• Mini Parfaits: Layer with coconut yogurt in small jars.

Try my Protein Mango Fluff recipe.

Storage

• Freezer: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Pro Tip: Press parchment paper directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals.

Try my Tropical Mango Chia Bowl recipe.

Final Thoughts

So here’s your mission: Wreck your freezer with bananas, raid your nut stash, and blend up this too-easy-not-to-try treat. Even if your summer is currently a record-breaking meltfest (hey, mine too), this recipe’s got your back. Now go forth and conquer cravingsI’ll be over here, licking my bowl.

Recipe Card